Science Becomes Her

I've been trying to figure out how to do All of the Science on Ellie, of course. I thought:
1. Maybe I should collaborate with an actual scientist. I thought maybe I'd go to the local university, march down the psychology corridor and find some researcher to collaborate with me on the study. Problem: it seems scientists steal each other's ideas a lot. And I'm not exactly set up to pound this out fast--I have a day job :(
2. Maybe I should do it myself. I read about amateur scientists online... and none of them collaborated with normal scientists.

So, I decided to call my much-beloved avian veterinarian (who is actually really famous and also a researcher in avian health). She suggested I look up some parrot studies and study their methods.

Research articles are expensive! I spent $39.99 ON ONE ARTICLE. :(:(:(

I started reading a study about parrots and felt kind of sad. As part of the study, they actually scold the parrots/rival participants for not properly participating, and if the parrot isn't cooperating, they threaten the parrot that they are going to walk away and quit.  :( :(

Our learning sessions are always and without exception on Ellie's terms. She's never, ever punished for not wanting to learn... if she doesn't want to work on vocabulary, we will engage in other play activities instead. And scolding isn't really a part of our household. I felt so sad for the birds! I'm glad that avian husbandry is evolving away from ANY fear-based interactions with our birds.

I'm not perfect, I definitely have moments where I'm like, "IF EVERYONE COULD STOP BITING ME THAT WOULD BE GREAT!!!" But punishment/scolding is solidly not part of our lives.

I was dreaming a little about what it would be like to have become a researcher and have a little lab with parrots. And then I realized: I do have a little lab with parrots - three to be precise! We have a cockatoo lab, and both are learning to read! AND I get to work from home! Haha!

I've figured out the study I want to do, and am going to start writing it up. When my mom returns in a few weeks, we'll try to execute it. The really cool thing is that the parrot's accuracy rate in published parrot studies is very similar to Ellie's - 70%-75%.

We've got this!!! And there will be NO scolding!!! Learning and experiments are completely on Ellie's terms!